Points Summary
- This is the first time global warming has exceeded 1.5°C across an entire year, according to the EU’s climate service.
- Warming reached 1.52 degrees in the period from February 2023 to January 2024.
- World leaders had promised in 2015 to try to limit the planet’s long-term temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.
- Dr. Meers singer Hobs, a senior research fellow, shares insights on the significance of this news.
- Climate scientists have been warning about the rising temperatures and its impact on ecosystems.
- Staying below 1.5°C reduces the worst impacts on ecosystems and our food systems.
- Extreme weather events are already being observed globally due to increasing global temperatures.
- There is hope as countries are taking action to address climate change and transition to a greener economy.
- Climate change affects the poorest in society, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Readable by 5th Grade
For the first time ever, global warming has exceeded 1.5°C across an entire year. This alarming information comes from the EU’s climate service, Capern. The period from February 2023 to January 2024 witnessed a warming of 1.52 degrees. The news is concerning, especially considering that world leaders made a promise in 2015 to limit the planet’s long-term temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.
Expert Insights
To understand the significance of this news, we turn to Dr. Meers singer Hobs, a senior research fellow at the independent Think Tank, The Institute for Public Policy Research. When asked about their reaction to this information, Dr. Hobs responded, “I’m not surprised but slightly dismayed. Climate scientists have been warning us about the rising temperatures and the potential of hitting 1.5 degrees. If this news doesn’t serve as a wake-up call, I’m not sure what will.”
So why is the figure of 1.5 degrees Celsius so significant? Dr. Hobs explains that climate scientists established this number as a consistent global temperature increase compared to pre-industrial levels. The evidence suggests that staying below 1.5 degrees can reduce some of the worst impacts on ecosystems and on us. Many of our food systems rely on these ecosystems, and once the temperature crosses 1.5°C, we start seeing ecosystem collapses.
The International Community, including the UK, listened to the advice from scientists and signed the Paris agreement in 2015. However, it is crucial to note that we are already witnessing the impact of increasing global temperatures worldwide. The UK experienced extreme heat in 2022, and the temperature has continued to rise over the past year. Additionally, extreme weather events such as flooding in Pakistan, drought in the Horn of Africa, and wildfires in Canada and Australia have become more frequent and intense.
Hope for the Future
Despite the concerning news, there are signs of hope. Governments across the world are starting to take action, although more needs to be done. Dr. Hobs highlights some positive developments, saying, “We have seen the inflation reduction act in the United States, which allocated up to $1 trillion for government spending to address climate change. China, one of the largest emitters, is also the largest producer of renewables, especially solar.”
Addressing climate change and investing in the necessary changes present an opportunity to build a greener economy and a fairer society. It is essential to acknowledge that the effects of climate change disproportionately affect the poorest in society, both globally and within the UK. Taking action is not only an environmental imperative but also a social one.
In conclusion, the news of global warming exceeding 1.5°C for an entire year is a wake-up call. Climate scientists have been warning us about the consequences, and now we are witnessing the impacts firsthand. However, there is hope as countries are taking steps to address climate change and transition to a greener future. By investing in a sustainable economy, we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change and create a fairer society for everyone.
Thank you for reading this important update on the current state of global warming.
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